Cesar Chavez Day

About Cesar Chavez

Civil rights leader Cesar Chavez(opens in new window) influenced and inspired millions of Americans through his nonviolent tactics in the struggle for better pay and safer working conditions for farm workers.

Chavez was founder of the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, an organization that later became the United Farm Workers of America(opens in new window). Chavez dedicated his life to create an organization to protect and serve farm workers, according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation(opens in new window) website. Chavez led the UFW for more than three decades, achieving fair wages, medical coverage and pension benefits for hundreds of thousands of farm workers.

Chavez passed away April 23, 1993.

"Cesar Chavez-a common man with an uncommon vision for humankind-stood for equality, justice and dignity for all Americans," according to the Cesar Chavez Foundation(opens in new window) website. "His ecumenical principles remain relevant and inspiring today for all people."

Honoring Cesar Chavez March 31, 2024